Noticed there wasn't a thread for Vanguard Miniatures in the rumour section. They're specialised in 6mm ranges and have taken over the now sadly defunct Troublemaker Games who have done a few amazing crowdfunding projects for their Defeat in Detail range.

But whilst Troublemaker Games are gone, their range isn't. And besides that, it's also expanding.

So keep your eyes on this thread to stay updated on some kick ass 6mm sci fi miniatures.

Cybershadows Jackals are found ranging far ahead of heavy mech battle squadrons these “light” mechs are the eyes and ears of the heavier battle units. They are extremely agile for there size and can cover ground at phenomenal speed when necessary. Lightly armed in comparison to the dreadnought or leviathan it none the less has very potent weapons that can easily decimate regular enemy formations.

Operating as lone scouts or in teams of two as long range recon/raider units these machines are not to be underestimated and are considered high priority targets by novan high command.

The other main function of these stalkers is as escorts and flank shields for the cybershadow’s main battle formations for which duty they are aptly suited.

The mainstay of novan artillery trains the archer is a heavy 155mm calibre cannon capable of utilising several types of munitions. This particular variant utilises the tracked artillery carriage and will be found where battery positions have been established for extended periods of time.

The novan Bombadier heavy mortar is a common site with novan shock assault forces and is used in general to soften up an enemy position prior to an assault and is also used extensively during siege operations where whole battalions of these weapons can be found bombarding enemy position’s almost constantly.

Mauler assault tanks are starting to see widespread service with Tusculum Nova’s elite fighting troops. Developed in secrecy and built to the highest specifications this battle winning vehicle stands at the pinnacle of novan armoured fighting vehicle design.

Massively armoured and heavily armed this machine has been created to deliver unscathed novan elite forces directly into the teeth of the enemies defensive line.

This particular variant has two sponson mounted twin anti-tank laser cannon and a roof mounted twin heavy machine gun for clearing the immediate area in front of the assault ramp. If the enemy force’s being engaged are numerous then the machine gun mount is often upgraded with a twin rotary cannon turret which has truly devastating firepower at such close ranges.

The scorpion type B is a dedicated tank hunter armed with two anti-tank laser cannon in the turret and two additional laser cannon in hull sponson mounts. This configuration makes this vehicle a serious threat to unsuspecting enemy armoured units.

A common variant of the overlander the halftrack artillery tractor and utility vehicle is used to transport both novan heavy artillery forces and there munitions but also as a general rough terrain alternative to the regular truck.

This pack contains 3 x Overlander tractors with modelling options and is fully compatible with components from the overlander truck.

The warrior IFV has seen service in every battlezone in which novan forces have campaigned it is a versatile and rugged design with numerous patterns and variants being used across novan controlled space.

This particular variant transports novan armoured infantry formations and allows these troops to keep pace with the many tank formations alongside which they serve. It has seen many different armamants over the years but the most common fitment is a quick cycling pulse laser.

Sprue is perhaps an odd choice of wording. The kit is made of metal (I do hope that Vanguard will eventually move to resin and/or plastic), but contains parts to turn the ship into one of two possible variants.

There was a question on Tactical command about the plastic sprues that have been in (tortured) development for a while as upgrade components for the plastic Ork Truk have appeared on the Vanguard website and apparently they will be released "anytime now".

The treads are backwards because they are supposed to mimic the silhouettes of GW-designed models, which are innately badly designed in the first place, putting "cool" over "makes sense" on things like treads.

A common variant of the overlander the halftrack artillery tractor and utility vehicle is used to transport both novan heavy artillery forces and there munitions but also as a general rough terrain alternative to the regular truck.

This pack contains 3 x Overlander tractors with modelling options and is fully compatible with components from the overlander truck.

Space ship game scaled ordnance:
To give you an idea what they are: top left three torpedoes are standard ones. The sprue on the right contains the following (from left to right): boarding torpedo, short burn torpedo, seeker torpedo, guided torpedo. The torpedo sprue on the bottom left contains the following (from left to right): boarding torpedo, warp warhead, fusion torpedo, barrage bomb. On the bottom right you've got the boarding pods (with open en closed claws).

Frigate kit:
The kit allows you to either make a carrier craft of gunship. There are some issues with the print of the main hull. Luckily enough we'll be receiving a new print for it next week.

That frigate model is pure greatness - the aesthetic is spot on for gothic human starships! Malika, you might have seen my feedback re. future ships on other sites - this little chap here fills me with hope.
Will Vanguard be launching a heavier cruiser type too then? Might it be perhaps c. 10 cm long?

All these shots look great. If I collected 6mm I would be all over this, but that new fighter might have to be bought regardless for some 5150 Fighter Command.

And another little announcement from Vanguard Miniatures' Facebook page:

A new addition to the VTOL range will be this skycrane variant which should be out in a few months time.
Due to continuing issues with the fragile tail fins on these models i've commissioned a resculpt of the weak area which has now been fixed by beefing up the tail booms and extending the horizontal stabiliser forward to greatly strengthen the whole area whilst keeping the overall aesthetic of the designs. This means a re-print and new moulds so the kakapo and moa once sold out will not be back in stock until the new moulds are created. I know this is not ideal but the problem needed addressing if the models are to remain part of the range.

The ship is a frigate, which as Ragsta already stated, is about 5cm long.

An Assault Cruiser of about 7.5cm is in the planning stage now. After that it will be the Heavy Cruiser/Battleship variant.

The Destroyers are also ready done. Which means that after all that I'd only need to do another frigate variant, which would more or less complete the ships range for the Novan Elites.

Any timeline for these?

Nothing set in stone yet. All I know for now is that Vanguard Miniatures want to do something along the lines of a big release for the ships range. The Novan Elites ship range would need a few more months to complete, so I've got a feeling we might expect them early next year. Unless John (the guy running Vanguard Miniatures) decides to spread out the releases as bit...

Thing is that these vehicles are designed as 'true scale' 6mm stuff, meaning they are a little bit larger than the old epic scaled vehicles. As for fitting with Dropzone, that game is 10mm scaled if I recall correctly. I'd imagine most vehicles would then be on the small side. The larger vehicles might work fine. The Novan Warrior might also work since it's a rather chunky vehicle.

Malika2 wrote:Thing is that these vehicles are designed as 'true scale' 6mm stuff, meaning they are a little bit larger than the old epic scaled vehicles. As for fitting with Dropzone, that game is 10mm scaled if I recall correctly. I'd imagine most vehicles would then be on the small side. The larger vehicles might work fine. The Novan Warrior might also work since it's a rather chunky vehicle.

Thanks - I use a mixture of DZ and Epic at the moment - the Titans work well and the tanks as do some of the infantry so might haev to get some and have a look then !

If only GW could do for their own IP what several very tiny companies can.

Although, for this exact same reason I am a fan of both Vanguard and Onslaught, because they show more gumption and imagination than the monolithic (in comparison) company that dropped the ball, as "obviously" noone is interested in Epic anymore.

I just wish Vanguard was as easy to get over here in the US. 6mm Horus Heresy in it's modern aesthetic would be beautiful.

@AegisGrimm: Vanguard should indeed figure something out for this. I guess that would work if the demand is high enough. But what is the main problem for getting the models in the US? Is it shipping or tax problems?

AegisGrimm wrote:If only GW could do for their own IP what several very tiny companies can.

Although, for this exact same reason I am a fan of both Vanguard and Onslaught, because they show more gumption and imagination than the monolithic (in comparison) company that dropped the ball, as "obviously" noone is interested in Epic anymore.

I just wish Vanguard was as easy to get over here in the US. 6mm Horus Heresy in it's modern aesthetic would be beautiful.

Hello vanguard here I do ship to the states regularly and have several US customers if I may ask what specifically puts you off ordering from me please i'd be most interested in knowing.

As for the Sisterhood models, Vanguard Miniatures also sells Onslaught Miniatures' Sisterhood line.

Yeah just ordered pretty much one pack of each as they look great Don;t fancy translating them into 28mm?

That's something I think you should bring up with Onslaught Miniatures. You could suggest it to them directly, they've got their own section on the Tactical Command forum, just go here, or directly to the Sisterhood thread.

Mostly the shipping from anything over the pond makes me make hard choices about buying games from the UK (my small group of people I am able to convince to game requires me to nearly always buy both forces that will hit the table, so I can't go bonkers with gamer ADD)

The preorder stuff really may tempt me enough, because I can always go the old Epic Space Marine trick and get two heresy forces by splitting everything purchased into two small forces. Then I'd just need the Epic ruleset that manages smaller forces the best (I think probably Epic Armageddon versus NetEpic from what I have played of it.)

I really like the looks of the upcoming not-Cataphractii terminators, and the "Gladiator" dreads.

AegisGrimm wrote:Mostly the shipping from anything over the pond makes me make hard choices about buying games from the UK (my small group of people I am able to convince to game requires me to nearly always buy both forces that will hit the table, so I can't go bonkers with gamer ADD)

The preorder stuff really may tempt me enough, because I can always go the old Epic Space Marine trick and get two heresy forces by splitting everything purchased into two small forces. Then I'd just need the Epic ruleset that manages smaller forces the best (I think probably Epic Armageddon versus NetEpic from what I have played of it.)

I really like the looks of the upcoming not-Cataphractii terminators, and the "Gladiator" dreads.

Thanks for the feedback I may look at trying to cut the shipping charge but in most cases the fee is pretty much right in fact in some cases I need to pay more than the amount charged to the customer especially if the parcel is heavy.

Understand your situation regards needing to buy both forces that would get expensive. Still as you say you can split the models into equal forces if needed. I'm useing the elites for heresy armies too hence a lot of the newer designs are inspired by the period. SHT's next in line for creation.

Dragon flamethrower tanks are not operated by regular mechanised forces but by specialist engineer units attached to novan battlegroups on an ad hoc basis as the situation dictates.

Yet another variant of the popular warrior chassis the rear hull troop carrying section has been replaced with a massive armoured fuel pod which feeds a high pressure flame projector turret capable of hurling a jet of extremely volatile and highly combustable liquid many metres. Utilised to breach enemy defense zones and stubborn pockets of enemy resistance this terror weapon has been know to cause the enemy to withdraw at the sight of an approaching dragon before it even gets close enough to fire.

An horrific but highly effective weapon system used sparingly but to great effect by novan forces the dragon flame tank is considered by many a distastful but none the less necessary tool.

This pack contains 3 x Dragon tanks each with three variant turret options.

This model represent a battlefield commanders C4i vehicle and is based heavily on a stretched mauler chassis.

This model was kindly sponsored by Cranium27 who covered all design costs to see this model created, thanks very much Mike really generous of you and a fantastic gesture of support for my little company.

Automatically Appended Next Post: New releases!

Novan Regulars Support Tanks:

The warrior IFV hull has seen numerous adaptions over it’s years of service. Many field modifications as well as factory produced variants have come and gone but others have prooven themselves in the test of battle and endured to this day. Two such variants are the Hunter tank destroyer and the Hammer bunker buster.

Both vehicles use the same adapted warrior hull to house a specialist heavy weapon in a fixed forward mount giving a low profile for an excellent hull down capability.

The hunter houses a long barrelled high energy laser cannon capable of penetrating the heaviest armour making for a most effect tank hunter.

The hammer on the other hand has a completely different roll and houses a short barrelled heavy mortar designed to smash enemy fortifications to rubble in short order.

Most often seen supporting warrior mounted mechanised forces these vehicles are a powerful addition to the novan arsenal.

The Javelin aero-space light fighter is a sleak highly manouverable and extremely fast multi roll capable aircraft able to operate in space as well as in atmosphere with equal ease thanks to advanced anti gravity generators and numerous directional thrusters.

Used exclusively by novan elite forces pilots this fighter has become a feared site for Tusculum Nova’s enemies with a reputation for extreme combat manouver’s and skilled piloting used to deadly effect.

Armaments include twin laser cannon in each wing mount and innovative vertical launch anti-aircraft missiles mounted along the upper fuseleage.

The lightning skimmer is a smaller cousin to the elites heavy attack skimmers. Ranging far ahead of elites ground forces these versatile and extremely fast anti-grav bikes act as long range recon and harrasing units.

Although lightly armed and armoured there speed gives them great survivability on the battlefield and there use enmass has broken many an enemy formation and captured vital objectives far in advance of the main battlegroup’s during there time in service.

All branches of the novan military have ordinance specialists to support the front line forces. Trained to operate many types of heavy support weapons they provide an unglamorous but none the less vital supporting roll on the battlefield.

All branches of the novan military have ordinance specialists to support the front line forces. Trained to operate many types of heavy support weapons they provide an unglamorous but none the less vital supporting roll on the battlefield.

All branches of the novan military have ordinance specialists to support the front line forces. Trained to operate many types of heavy support weapons they provide an unglamorous but none the less vital supporting roll on the battlefield.

Dysartes wrote:The Stormer looks cool - what's the usual delay between getting the prints and being able to cast the product?

Actually the stormer would have been on sale this week but I had a few issues with the casts so they've gone back and the moulds are being redone to hopefully rectify the situation with luck this one will be on sale by the end of the month or early next month at the latest.

Here we have all the new wave 2 models together so you can judge relative sizes we should have better images up once i've had time to take them.

The elites guardian tank is yet another product of Tusculum Nova’s most advanced research and development program to equip it’s elite forces with the most powerful weapons and equipment that can be provided. Guardian’s are intended to act as front line main battle tanks for elite forces a roll originally filled by the older scorpion designs which have now been relegated to a supporting roll for the mechanised squadrons. The hull bears a similar appearance to the mauler assault transport and was developed alongside that vehicle. Although smaller than the mauler it is none the less a very potent design heavily armed and armoured with an impressive turn of speed .

The core weapon system is a remote operated turret mounting a double barrelled railgun fireing either armour piercing or high explosive ammunition at extremely high velocity. The ammunition is stowed in the large automated ammo supply bin at the rear of the gun assembly. This arrangement allows the weapon to be operated by a single crewman.

Two sponson mounting points are also available these can be fitted with several weapon options with either the standard laser cannon or heavy machinegun being the most common choices and there is also a permanant forward hull MG fitted as standard.

In the guardian elite forces have a highly versatile and potent battle tank able to survive in the deadliest of warzones.

The sniper tank hunter is a dedicated anti armour vehicle constructed on a modified and reconfigured guardian hull. It shares many common features and systems of the guardian and was developed to work alongside that tank in mixed battlegroups.

It’s main weapon system is a high powered long range laser cannon fixed in the forward hull position and capable of penetrating the armour of most enemy tanks with easy. Secondary armament consists of two sponson points just like the guardian with the same weapon options and the hull MG as standard.

Most commonly working in teams of three vehicles on dedicated anti armour duties or as single vehicles attached to guardian formations this vehicle has already made it’s mark on the battlefield and gained a fearsome reputation amongst enemy vehicle crews.

Shielder is tusculum nova’s standard low altitude air defence artillery system it consists of a quad autocannon armament mounted in a fully rotating turret with the ability to shoot a ground level targets as well as enemy aircraft. The system is self contained and has been mounted on numerous ground platforms and vehicles over the years this particular variant uses the static ground mount cruciform commonly seen guarding artillery positions and at military installations across novan space.

Rapier is tusculum nova’s most common special ordnance missile artillery system it consists of a fully rotating mount very similar to shielder but in this case has launch rails for four missiles. This system is capable of launching various specialist missiles including medium to high altitude antiaircraft missiles, long range high explosive, anti armour, and scatterable mines to name but a few. This variant utilises the standard static cruciform mount but it can be seen mounted on various static and mobile units where ever novan forces are encountered.

When engaged in siege operations the Elite of Tusculum Nova will call upon their Heavy Siege Armour squads. This armour variant is a development of the standard heavy armour suit and has been adapted to house enhanced shoulder armour pieces with build in personal shield technology designed to protect the wearer from attack from above when engaged in breaching operations. The added protection allows these troops to function even when under direct attack from defenders on the walls above. Most Siege Elite troopers are equipped with twin rocket grenade launchers, and augmetic combat hands, whilst one in five will carry a twin long barreled HMG in order to provide firepower at a greater distance.

The elite forces of Tusculum Nova are lead into battle by mighty hero’s equipped with the finest weapons and with superior fighting ability these warriors are an inspiration to the regular elites as well as the ordinary line troops of the army.

The centurion main battle tank is the most common tank used by novan regular forces in the field a rugged and heavily armoured design it has been built to be a reliable and easy to operate vehicle capable of going long periods of time between maintenance cycles making it the perfect machine to equip Tusculum Nova’s armoured divisions.

The designs has seen many weapon fits over the years but the most common armaments (hector configuration) are a regular tank cannon in the turret backed up by a fixed forward hull mounted laser cannon. In addition the hull sides can be configured to mount a sponson weapon most commonly a HMG for close in anti personel protection.

Pack contains 3 x centurion tanks with modelling options.

Please note that this is the first of several weapon fits we will have for this tank with a long barelled anti tank cannon (achilles configuration) on the cards next.

The elite forces of Tusculum Nova are lead into battle by mighty hero’s equipped with the finest weapons and with superior fighting ability these warriors are an inspiration to the regular elites as well as the ordinary line troops of the army.

Each sprue contains:

3 officer variants, 1 command pennant bearer, 1 mystic and 1 priest

Set contains:

18 x affray heavy armour command figures three of each sculpt

£6.00

Novan Elites Anti Tank Skimmer:

Novan Elites use attack skimmers to harass enemy troop and armour movements, before the heavier forces move in for the kill. This variant was specifically developed for anti armour duties.

Sneakers are what Tusculum Nova’s forces have designated these skinnerz special forces troops because they always tend to turn up where they are least expected. Unlike most skinnerz these warriors are rarely seen committed to all out frontal assaults on enemy front line positions but are specialists in long range recon and raiding duties with destruction of enemy rear area installations a common target.

Sneakers specialists carry the usual infantry support weapons used by regular skinnerz forces in addition they are commonly equipped with flamethrowers and demolition charges and several member will carry sniper rifles a practice unheard of amongst the skinnerz regulars. These troops are lead by experienced veterans of many missions behind enemy lines.

I can't speak for Vanguard Miniatures here, but I don't think they're gonna upscale their complete range at this moment. Besides it being quite an investment to do, there's also the question whether the whole 8mm wave will actually be that big. Another question might be the compatibility of the 8mm stuff compared to the 'upscaled' 6mm models (many epic scale infantry models are closer to 7mm or even 7.5mm).

I know that the vehicles I've designed myself (the Novan Warrior + variants and the Novan Centurion) are already a bit clunky compared to the traditional Epic vehicles, meaning they might work out rather well in both 6mm and 8mm scales.

And now that I'm posting...

This will probably be the last release Vanguard Miniatures will be doing in 2016. Expect tons of new crazy stuff in 2017.

Novan Elites Stormer Siege Breaker Assault Carrier:

The Stormer is the largest combat vehicle currently in operation with novan elite forces. Designed to carry novan elite siege armoured troops right up to the walls of enemy fortifications unscathed this incredibly tough fighting machine has aided in the fall of many an impregnable fortress. Massively armoured and heavily shielded this vehicle can absorb an incredible amount of punishment on it’s approach.

Armed with a breaching microwave battery to it’s front boardering the assault ramp it also has several sponson locations for self defense and a upper hull mounted rocket mortar positioned to bombard the defenders on the walls, alternatively some will carry rotary cannon mounts instead.

Winter troops news, as everyone knows there is an issue with these figures ankles being weak so some breakages can occur at the moment i'm adding an extra sprue to each infantry pack to help cover this issue.

So anyway i've been working with ben to re-work the figures to resolve this issue here we have in ben's own words and explanation of the changes and an image to compare.

We've kept the original aesthetic as far as practical so the old and new figures should mix together no problem.

Changes include:

Proper hands instead of blocks.
More form-fitting coats instead of "bell shaped" coats.
Minor mod to the rifle.
Pose changes to be more dynamic (old figures all stood pretty straight up, these are now hunching forwards a bit.
Minor detail realignments (shoulderpads, head tilts, etc).

Overall they're pretty much the same as the long-established popular Winter Infantry sculpts, just a bit better quality, and obviously with the weak ankles dealt with. Not a huge update, but a needed one.

New version of the Kakapo arrived today we have increased the thickness of the tail booms and extended the horizontal stabilsers forward which seems to have sorted the weak tail fins issue. Next model to re-work will be the Moa, already updated, just awaiting printing.

(new version on the right)

Arrived today the new Mauler weapons set this set will allow you to create several different weapon loadouts for your Mauler models.

Good news from Vanguard Miniatures for those who want to play around with their possible Predator proxies:

The Scorpion Tanks can now be purchased as a pack of just four hulls and all turret variants are now available individually this will allow you to purchase a squadron of four tanks with just the weapon combinations you need so kind of a modular build your own tank squadron approach. The two original three tank packs are still available but I think this new approach is more flexible and hopefully will prove a popular choice for customers.

Bit of a big announcement. Vanguard Miniatures as started with releasing some 15mm stuff:

Today we see the release of a range of 15mm scale figures for playing skirmish style games in the Defeat in Detail universe. This is the start of what we hope will be an expansive range of 15mm scale models. These initial first figures have been developed by Troublemaker Games and have been available on their webstore for a while now but are now also available here. Over time we will be collaborating on new additions to the range and there are already some items at the casters due for release soon.

That looks like some 28-32mm ... chaos? It has a very pulp or maybe 80s feel too.. I like it but not sure what to do with it (Rogue Stars notwithstanding)

The FW style hellhound is delicious.

The Skinnerz are going to be part of my collection "soon". I am seriously thinking of selling off my ~10k points of 28mm orks and downsizing to 15mm for my great green waaagh..

I had forgot that these guys have BFG style ships. I have an ork fleet.. and have had them in deep storage for so long.. Now that I see a potential for BFG gaming again, I might have to pick up an imperial fleet to do battle with (if I can convince either of my kids )

@Kid_Kyotto: Erm, the printed ship is the Novan Elites frigate kit I've designed for Vanguard Miniatures. The ship underneath it is the Earthican Light Cruiser, but considering its size it will probably be redubbed as a frigate as well.

This is by far the best company in the "not-epic" game. These models are spectacular. I cannot wait to get epic going again in my area. The only hard part will be choosing what army(armies) to start first!

Well, the Destroyers have just been shipped off to Vanguard Miniatures for printing. John has mentioned he is planning on releasing the Frigate very soon (around April if I'm not mistaken). I guess the Destroyers will follow during the summer.

Released this evening are a small batch of 10mm scale fantasy ogres. These figures were available from Troublemaker Games a few years back and i've acquired them for the store, if these are popular i'll get another batch in and keep them in stock. I will also be stocking Onslaught minis forth coming 10mm fantasy figures once released.

Ogres With Melee Weapons x18:

10mm scale melee armed ogres in 6 poses. These figures are approximately 15mm’s tall from foot to top of the head.

I honestly thought these had disappeared into the ether. At this point I'm not going to start making demands - it's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned - but I'm curious: what's the situation for the original backers...?

I honestly thought these had disappeared into the ether. At this point I'm not going to start making demands - it's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned - but I'm curious: what's the situation for the original backers...?

Thanks!

Regarding your question, I've forwarded it to Ben over at Tactical Command.

I honestly thought these had disappeared into the ether. At this point I'm not going to start making demands - it's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned - but I'm curious: what's the situation for the original backers...?

I got mine sometime last year,It took awhile but we got them eventually

I honestly thought these had disappeared into the ether. At this point I'm not going to start making demands - it's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned - but I'm curious: what's the situation for the original backers...?

All backers should have received their pledges a year ago; did you move in the mean time, and also miss the emails from the campaign website asking for new addresses for anyone who's moved?

Definitely an interesting move doing these in 15mm, and I hope they will catch on.

Rules wise I suppose you have different options, I can't see why moving the scale up of Epic Armageddon wouldn't work, or even actually adapting something like the 'Battlegroup' set of rules (with the miniatures based individually) might be an interesting project.

Pacific wrote:Rules wise I suppose you have different options, I can't see why moving the scale up of Epic Armageddon wouldn't work, or even actually adapting something like the 'Battlegroup' set of rules (with the miniatures based individually) might be an interesting project.

I'll grab the opportunity to pimp these rules. Elements of E:A (the author was an E:A playtester IIRC) and the Starship Troopers rules. (I think he also worked on Mongoose's Battlefield Evolution, which borrowed from SST) Provides tweaks for multibased minis. Choose from generic lo-tech, mid-tech or hi-tech lists, and the options each provides. (In the spirit of giving your minis the rules and equipment that seem most appropriate, not min-maxing!)

Those gasmask guys are really beautiful. I'm thinking I'll use them as naval infantry for 15mm boarding actions. Could also be useful for alternative history/weird wars world war two (or especially for weird wars one).

Novans look a little cartoony compared to the others (not a bad thing, I'm not knocking it), but scalewise, they look pretty spot on. If I didn't have piles of GZG figures and vehicles that still need paint, I would grab a set.

The riflemen all have that same gun across the chest, legs in a squat pose which isn't exactly aiming, not exactly on guard, not moving, not really anything.

I'd recommend looking at some other metal trooper lines (the 2nd edition IG come to mind, long with Necromunda) where some guns are at 45 degree angles, others are pointed up. Some legs are running, some walking, others at attention.

On the plus side I really like the uniforms, besides the chaos stars they're very pulpy, with the ornate helmets (with fins!) those guys could be working for Ming the Merciless!

Maybe I just took rubbish pictures that don't show the variety of the figures properly.

legs in a squat pose which isn't exactly aiming, not exactly on guard, not moving, not really anything.

They all want a poop.

I'd recommend looking at some other metal trooper lines (the 2nd edition IG come to mind, long with Necromunda) where some guns are at 45 degree angles, others are pointed up. Some legs are running, some walking, others at attention.

More rifle arm poses are certainly a possibility, if these sell it'd be easy for me to sculpt more rifle arm poses.

On the plus side I really like the uniforms, besides the chaos stars they're very pulpy, with the ornate helmets (with fins!) those guys could be working for Ming the Merciless!

Geeze hate it when the sculptor actually responds to my critique of the sculpting

One other recommendation, since I think a lot of folks will want to use these in games by another company, which has a workshop, it might be good to put out one with separate arms where it's easy to swap in arms with the rifle or melee weapons of the modeler's choice. Makes life easier for all of us!

Just to illustrate what I was talking about, here's the original metal Cadians from the 90s

One is firing across the chest Hollywood style but the others have weapons raised or lowered, one is trotting, one reloading, one is even aiming his weapon real-world style. That's the sort of diversity of poses you really can't get with multipart plastics but can get with metal.

heh. I could apply a distortion to a mesh to achieve that kind of look, but it would probably only work when looked at from a specific fixed angle - once you moved to the side, it would look all spikey instead of digitally distorted, I think...

Evil & Chaos wrote:heh. I could apply a distortion to a mesh to achieve that kind of look, but it would probably only work when looked at from a specific fixed angle - once you moved to the side, it would look all spikey instead of digitally distorted, I think...

If you keep the axis local to the section of geometry you're affecting, it should work out alright. I've seen ghosts that have a similar effect.

The Battlemaster is a front line C4i (command, control, communications, computer and intelligence) vehicle for novan elite forces.

The design is basically a stretched mauler assault transport chassis and shares many components with that vehicle, the increased internal space allows for a full battlefield command and control suite to be installed giving up to the minute intelligence and situational awarness to the battlegroup commander via the highly sophisticated sensor dome mounted on the upper hull and functions in a similar roll to the regular armies Dictum command vehicle.

The sensor module (with a more limited capacity) can also be mounted on the trojan APC but the smaller size of this vehicle does not allow for the full command package or holo tank to be installed.

Due to the increased internal space a transport variant of this vehicle has been developed for novan elite troops in heavy armour allowing up to 10 such troopers to be transported instead of the mauler’s 5 man capacity with this armour type. With the sensor suite removed the vehicle also has the capacity to mount a scorpion tank turret for increased firepower. This however does reduce the transport capacity back to 5 men due to the turrets operating systems, crew and ammunition.

This is a VERY nice and unique line, it has just the right amount of visual cues while not invoking the wrath of ' litigation for the litigation god"!!!

I approve now if I could just talk my best friend into playing epic again and not 30k.... hummmm 30k origionally started out in as Space Marine and Adeptus Titanticus.... I think I got some 'logical' conclusions for him to hear.....

The P-1218 Buzzard Sky crane transport VTOL Aircraft (Mk1) is yet another development of the Raptor aircraft program being a heavily modified Kestrel airframe designed to carry light vehicles into combat zones. Instead of a troop cabin it has four articulated hydraulic arms that clamp onto the cargo be it a light vehicle or supply pod which allows rapid deployment of the cargo and a quick exit of the drop zone for these lightly armed aircraft.

Most commonly escorted by Falcon gunships the Buzzard has proven a very versatile addition to novan air assault forces.

Tusculum Nova’s heavy armour elites have seen many equipment adaptions over the years with numerous weapons specifically designed to enhance their abilities in all combat situations.

These particular troops have been specifically armed for Breaching operations with various specialist equipment such as the forlorn hope blast shield and siesmic hammer combination, whilst other’s have enhanced combat gloves with shreader claw attachments. Some troops will carry grenade launcher pods and heavy flamethrowers are also used to clear a breach of enemy personnel.

Usually transported in the Stormer these elite forces have been the downfall of many an impregnable enemy fortress.

The centurion main battle tank is the most common tank used by novan regular forces in the field a rugged and heavily armoured design it has been built to be a reliable and easy to operate vehicle capable of going long periods of time between maintenance cycles making it the perfect machine to equip Tusculum Nova’s armoured divisions.

The design has seen many weapon fits over the years, this variant (Nestor configuration) is a dedication anti vehicle hunter armed with a duo laser cannon mount in the turret as well as the regular forward hull laser cannon. The optional sponsons in this case also sport laser cannons making for an exceptional multi target engagement platform.

The centurion main battle tank is the most common tank used by novan regular forces in the field a rugged and heavily armoured design it has been built to be a reliable and easy to operate vehicle capable of going long periods of time between maintenance cycles making it the perfect machine to equip Tusculum Nova’s armoured divisions.

The design has seen many weapon fits over the years this variant (Patroclus configuration) is a dedication anti light vehicle and infantry hunter armed with a duo auto cannon mount in the turret as well as the regular forward hull laser cannon. The optional sponsons usually house the common heavy machine guns for anti infantry duties.

The centurion main battle tank is the most common tank used by novan regular forces in the field a rugged and heavily armoured design it has been built to be a reliable and easy to operate vehicle capable of going long periods of time between maintenance cycles making it the perfect machine to equip Tusculum Nova’s armoured divisions.

The design has seen many weapon fits over the years this variant (Ajax configuration) has a demolition mortar in the turret designed to smash defensive enemy bunkers at point blank range, backed up by a fixed forward hull mounted laser cannon. In addition the hull sides can be configured to mount sponson weapons the most common fit on this variant being microwave cannon.

The centurion main battle tank is the most common tank used by novan regular forces in the field a rugged and heavily armoured design it has been built to be a reliable and easy to operate vehicle capable of going long periods of time between maintenance cycles making it the perfect machine to equip Tusculum Nova’s armoured divisions.

The design has seen many weapon fits over the years this variant (Paris configuration) mounts the fearsome plasmic cannon capable of breaching the type of heavy armour worn by novan elite forces this is a rare but extremely potent anti heavy infantry weapon system. The regular forward hull laser cannon is also present on this variant and the optional sponsons usually house the common heavy machine guns for conventional anti infantry duties.

New release!!! I'm kinda excited here, for years I've been working on designing ships and one of the reasons why I've joined up with Vanguard Miniatures was to have my ship designs put in production. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a whole bunch of ships being released!

Novan Elites Panthera Class Heavy Frigate x 2 - £7.00

The Panthera class Heavy Frigate is the workhorse of the Novan Elite fleets. Heavily armed and armoured, its various weapon configurations allow it to fulfil many different void combat roles.
No matter its broadside configuration, the Panthera’s basic armament includes two heavy twin linked dorsal mounted turrets and two pairs of prow torpedo tubes. Its broadsides allow for different types of weapon systems which can be changed whilst in dock due to it’s modular design.
Most commonly used are weapons batteries, more than capable of tearing huge chunks out of enemy vessels many times its own size. Another popular configuration for the Panthera is to fit it with launch bays, allowing the heavy frigate to carry several squadrons of Javelin fighters and Pilum bombers. In order to protect other ships of the fleet from waves of ordnance and enemy fighters the Panthera is sometimes also configured with broadside turret platforms capable of projecting a withering volume of defensive fire.

Panthera class heavy frigate x 2 with three broadside options each. Images show three vessels to demonstrate the broadside options.

Armed in a similar manner to conventional Novan Rifle squads, the Winter Infantry are issued with heavy protective clothing and breathing apparatus intended for operations conducted in extremely cold environments, where exposed flesh or even eyeballs will freeze in minutes.

As Novan Elite forces grew to operate more independently from other elements of the Novan military, they were forced to develop vehicles and units normally assigned to the Novan Regulars. This means that the Novan Elites needed to develop their own siege tanks. A modification of the Trojan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) hull was developed to match the Regulars’ Support Tank Hull. Like its Warrior IFV based brother, this variant of the Trojan has been armed with various weapon configurations – the two most popular being the Siege Cannon and the Heavy Laser Cannon.

The Trojan Hammer is a light siege tank, deployed to take out enemy bunkers and fortifications. Its Siege Cannon can easily turn armoured structures into rubble.

The Trojan Hunter’s role is that of a tank hunter. Its Heavy Laser Cannon has been designed to penetrate heavy armour and thick shielding, making the Trojan Hunter the perfect candidate to eliminate enemy tanks and even larger war engines.

The human gene-mutants known as Skinnerz were an early experiment in creating a genetically modified hardy breed of servile human workers during the initial colonisation of the fifty worlds. Increasing their muscle bulk and bone density had a cost however, as although their intellects remained within normal human range, increased charges of adrenaline lead to heightened aggression and reduced tolerance for following orders.

The first worlds were colonised successfully by the Novan peoples with the assistance of Skinnerz workers, but ultimately Novan hegemony was not to last, as a series of violent rebellions by Skinnerz led to the fall of Novan authority on three whole planets, as well as leaving some planets partially contested.

Incensed against normal humans due to their hundreds of years of slavery, Skinnerz rebellions gradually changed from actions aimed at the overthrow of their Novan overlords, to the destruction of all Novan peoples across the fifty worlds of Tusculum.

Within the realms of the Novan Kingdom, Skinnerz worker usage was phased out, redundant workers being exiled to rebel-held areas in exchange for (typically brief) peace treaties, or simply exterminated in massacres that have become memorialised as war cries amongst surviving Skinnerz.

With a history of bloody conflict and entrenched hatred, between Novans and Skinnerz the future seems one of inevitable warfare.

The small but beautiful range of gothic starships from the battlegroup helios range formerly available from our friends down south have been purchased by vanguard miniatures and will be in store very soon. The models will remain under the battlegroup helios label and all the other ships from vanguard will port over to this label as well and I hope to continue to expand both the hellian fleet and the other faction fleets over time.

I must thank Aaron and Zac for the opportunity to own these wonderful ships appreciated guys, and i'd like to wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Statement from Aaron and Zac from Battlegroup Helios:

Hey folks,
As you've probably noticed it's been quiet around here lately. Both Zac and I have seen our lives get busier over the last year and it's left us with dramatically less time to devote to BGH. The result is the development of the Terrans have stalled and restocking has been intermittent. That's not really fair to all of you who've supported us and so we've decided that it was time for us to pass the BGH torch. For the past month we've been working with John at Vanguard and starting today, Battlegroup Helios will become part of the Vanguard Miniatures family. We trust you'll give him the same support you've give us. Check them out at http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/ Thanks and see you among the stars!
Aaron and Zac

Released today the Helian fleet from my new Battlegroup Helios range numbers are very limited so be quick if you are after any of these. Production on new castings have begun and I hope to see these by month's end cheers.
Oh and i've managed to drop the prices too.

You claim that Onslaught has new releases that Vanguard does not yet carry, all I do is ask you which releases you are referring to. I don't see what me not being the owner of Vanguard Miniatures has to do with this. Maybe I'm missing something here?

(It's not as if the owner of GW is keeping the 40k related rumour threads updated...)

Hi MLaw, i'm the owner of vanguard minis I have recently received my stock of all currently available to order onslaught minis. Granted there are more releases imminent which I will be ordering soon but it will be some time before they arrive here in the UK.

Malika2 is one of my designers as well as keeping news threads such as here updated for me across the net so he is quite capable of answering questions on my behalf. He's a great ambassador for the company so please consider him qualified to answer your questions or if necessary he will pass them on to me.

Unfortunately with also holding down a full time day job i've just not the time to run the company and update numerous forums as well Malika2 does this for me he's a good man and his efforts are really appreciated.

So anyway yes i'll be continuing to restock onslaught as and when new releases and funding permits.

vanguard mini's wrote:Hi MLaw, i'm the owner of vanguard minis I have recently received my stock of all currently available to order onslaught minis. Granted there are more releases imminent which I will be ordering soon but it will be some time before they arrive here in the UK.

Malika2 is one of my designers as well as keeping news threads such as here updated for me across the net so he is quite capable of answering questions on my behalf. He's a great ambassador for the company so please consider him qualified to answer your questions or if necessary he will pass them on to me.

Unfortunately with also holding down a full time day job i've just not the time to run the company and update numerous forums as well Malika2 does this for me he's a good man and his efforts are really appreciated.

So anyway yes i'll be continuing to restock onslaught as and when new releases and funding permits.

Cheers John

Yeah.. there is no way for us to know that.. From my perspective it was some random person questioning the accuracy of my claims about you guys stocking Onslaught.. remember that there's tons of other users and threads here.. so this interaction isn't exactly in a vacuum.
Last time I looked I didn't see the newer not-Taurox that Onslaught had. Unless you added them in the last few days, I am pretty sure that's still accurate. I was also hopeful that you would stock their bits system but I would totally understand why you might not do that.
As Onslaught is a US based company, I would probably tend to order more from them directly but I am putting together a decent order from your store in the next few weeks and figured I would get some onslaught stuff at that point and maybe save on some shipping. I wouldn't be ordering any of their not-IG/AM stuff at that point as I am still working on Orks and Space Marines but I was trying to figure out who to order what from for planning purposes.

Again.. this forum is full of people that like to jump in front of comments that aren't related to them in any way and without knowing about Malika being associated that's what that seemed like from my side. Like your models though and hope to see more new 6mm releases in the future. Hopefully one day you guys will do a multipart building system along the lines of the sweet looking human/ork sprues you have.

Troublemaker games wave 3 15mm figures are in store now. Also from TMG comes this classic back catalogue steampunk style tripod model. If interest is high we may well look at developing a steampunk range in the near future we already have some ideas for the direction we'd like to take with this.

Kid_Kyoto wrote:Hmm... not sure there's a real need for Epic BUT SMALLER but nice to see new stuff coming.

Now where are my ships?

Ben is still working on your commissioned ship right? My own 3d work is slightly delayed due to some personal matters getting in the way, but I will hopefully be doing a whole bunch of new ships and 3mm/6mm stuff soon.

A personal project of mine that ended up becoming a whole new line due for release in about a month's time. Defeat in Detail in 3mm scale for playing truly epic battles during the many internal wars within the Novan Hegemony itself.

The Cybershadows will be joining the fray in the form of their mighty War Stalker battle groups either allied to support your House or your enemies or both.

Novan Regulars are already under development and will join in the conflict once their transport ships arrive.

Below are samples of all Novan Elite vehicles currently under production and a sneak peak at the prototype Dreadnought Stalker.

Kid_Kyoto wrote:Hmm... not sure there's a real need for Epic BUT SMALLER but nice to see new stuff coming.

Now where are my ships?

Ben is still working on your commissioned ship right? My own 3d work is slightly delayed due to some personal matters getting in the way, but I will hopefully be doing a whole bunch of new ships and 3mm/6mm stuff soon.

- have a 32mm diameter.
- have 90 degree angle markers embossed on them, which may prove useful for some gaming usages.
- have a 1mm lip on the underside, so that they won't slide around the table like completely flat bases do.
- make their owner 3mm taller (if the owner stands on top of one).

We have the ability to make the bases in clear plastic, or coloured plastic (grey, black, green, blue, white, etc).

Detail you managed to put onto such small scale is bordering insane. This looks very interesting and reasonable price could be that extra push to buy it.
Overall great job and very very impressive.
Wish you all the best with this line.

dubovac wrote:Detail you managed to put onto such small scale is bordering insane. This looks very interesting and reasonable price could be that extra push to buy it.
Overall great job and very very impressive.
Wish you all the best with this line.

Definitely +1 to this!

The detail on the 6mm guys is just awesome, and these look very promising.

Hope not to post OT, but these are some 6mm guys I have painted up in pre-heresy World Eater colours (the rhinos are not Vanguard miniatures)

We are already working on an expansion supplement which will add additional elites forces as well as introducing the Cybershadows to the game with their Stalker contingents.

The Novan Regulars will be joining the fight as soon as we can get production rolling.

New 6mm release!

Eloi Sky Bikes £8.00

The Eloi are masters of anti-gravity technology with the majority of their military vehicles employing it, the Sky bike is one of the smallest produced, a one person skimmer capable of very high speed utilised as a recon and light raider asset.

Cleaned up the cruiser print ready for moulding, i'm of two minds on this, getting models cast in resin in sufficient volume is proving problematic where as getting models cast in metal in volume is easy. So i'm thinking should I cast this one in metal instead.
Thoughts people please.

Assuming that it won't then make it more expensive, more people able to buy it is better. It doesn't look like a complicated build, nothing load-bearing other than perhaps magnets for the flight base (which most would do anyway)

Think certainly it will be easy compared to some of the old battleships back in the day!